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What you need to do if your wallet is stolen...
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 1 Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.'
2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the 'For' line. Instead, just put the last four numbers . The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it..
3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary.
4. Make a copy of every card in your wallet - FRONT and BACK - so that you will know exactly what was in your wallet (i.e. driver's license, medical insurance cards, credit cards, etc.) That way, you'll have all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel.... Keep the photocopy in a safe place.
5. Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling (either here or abroad) and keep the original locked away in a secure place (hotel safe or home safe).
Here's some critical information to limit the damage if your wallet is stolen.
6. Cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call.
7. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
8.THIS IS PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU MUST DO:
Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number.
The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Here are the numbers you MUST contact if your wallet is stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union : 1-800-680 7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):
1-800-269-0271
And finally..........Consider keeping your credit cards separate from your cash. If someone gets your wallet, at least they won't get your license, credit cards, etc.
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